Beowulf to Batman: The Epic Hero and Pop Culture

By Roger Rollin

“….in times of crisis we look for a deliverer, a Beowulf or a Lone Ranger” (p. 437)

1. What does the author say about our value system in connection with heroes?
2. Mention the types of heroes according to Northrop Frye.
3. Following Frye’s classification, decide what type the following heroes belong to: Beowulf,
Batman, Superman, Spiderman, Wonder Woman, Thor, Iron Man, James Bond, Captain America,
Hulk, Green Arrow, Hercules, X-Men, Harry Potter, Three Musketeers.
4. The article does not mention the last two types of heroes: type IV (The hero is neither
superior in degree or environment, he is equal to us) and type V (The hero is inferior in power
or intelligence to us. We are superior). Think of at least two examples of each type of hero.
5. What is connection between…?
heroes and violence;
heroes and rewards;
heroes and myth;
heroes and the law
6. Mention the typical features of antagonists.
7. What is the role of the community?
8. Using a Venn diagram, summarise the similarities and differences between Beowulf and modern
heroes.